Protect your intimate flora with vaginal probiotics

Maintaining the balance of your intimate flora (vaginal and intestinal) helps to greatly protect it from infections and problems such as intimate dryness. For this purpose, vaginal probiotics are particularly interesting. These are “good bacteria” responsible for restoring the balance of the vaginal microbiota by opposing the “bad bacteria” naturally present in the vagina. According to scientific studies, the use of vaginal probiotics reduces vaginal infections and this is why we have decided to offer you some on Gapianne, your e-concept store dedicated to feminine intimacy. In this article, we present to you how these “good bacteria” act and we explain to you how to select those that will be effective for you.

What you need to remember: A vaginal probiotic is a living organism naturally present in the vaginal flora, generally in the form of lactobacilli. Its presence helps to counterbalance bad bacteria and maintain the balance of the intimate flora. Taking probiotic supplements is interesting to promote the health of your intimate flora. Probiotics are found in food, but also in gels and in food supplement cures.

What is a vaginal probiotic?

Before going further into the effectiveness and benefits of probiotics for vaginal health, let's start by looking back at probiotics and their origins, as well as vaginal probiotics.

What are probiotics?

The concept of probiotics emerged when French scientist Henri Tissier, a pediatrician at the Pasteur Institute, discovered bifidobacterium bifidum , the first intestinal probiotic, in 1899, while researching the normal and pathological intestinal flora of infants. The name “probiotic” would come later, in 1965, under the pen of Lily and Stilwell in a study entitled Probiotics: Growth-Promoting Factors Produced by Microorganisms .

In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations defined probiotics as “live microorganisms (bacteria or yeasts) that, when ingested in sufficient quantities, exert positive effects on health, beyond traditional nutritional effects”. Fermented foods, food supplements, capsules: probiotics can thus take several forms.

What about vaginal probiotics?

Just like the intestinal flora, the vaginal flora is based on a delicate balance between the presence of good and bad bacteria. Vaginal probiotics are living microorganisms ( Lactobacillus acidophilus , Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 , etc.) that restore this balance and thus promote the maintenance of the balance of the vaginal flora through different functions that we will discover below.

How do vaginal probiotics work?

Vaginal probiotics act on the balance of the vaginal flora by slowing down the installation and development of bad bacteria. This is thanks to different actions.

Colonization of the mucosa

The microorganisms present in probiotics have the first action of colonizing the surfaces of the vagina . In doing so, they occupy ecological niches and thus prevent pathogens from settling there.

Lactic acid production

Probiotic microorganisms, most commonly lactobacilli, produce lactic acid . Lactic acid helps maintain the acidic vaginal pH (around 3.8 to 4.5), creating an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria.

Production of antimicrobial substances

The good bacteria and yeast found in vaginal probiotics also produce antimicrobial substances, such as hydrogen peroxide, which have the power to inhibit unwanted microorganisms.

Competition for nutrients

The microorganisms present in vaginal probiotics compete with the “bad bacteria” to feed on the nutrients that allow them to grow: in this way, they limit the growth and multiplication of bad bacteria in the vaginal microbiota.

Modulation of the immune system

Finally, the microorganisms delivered by vaginal probiotics have a role on the immune system. They can stimulate the local immune response by increasing the production of certain cytokines and strengthening the vagina's natural defenses against infections.

The benefits of vaginal probiotics

While the benefits of probiotics are no longer in doubt, vaginal probiotics are struggling to gain traction. However, more and more studies have shown their benefits since the 2010s.

Maintain the balance of vaginal flora

The first benefit of vaginal probiotics is to maintain the right balance of vaginal flora (study dated 2013 in English 🇬🇧) by boosting the presence of good bacteria compared to bad ones, which can cause various problems. From this first point come the other benefits!

Prevent and treat vaginal infections

Because they rebalance the vaginal flora, vaginal probiotics prevent the appearance of urogenital infections (urinary and vaginal) which are notably linked to the colonization of the vagina by bad bacteria. Urinary infections, candidiasis and vaginitis are thus limited.

Strengthen the vaginal epithelial barrier

Vaginal probiotics play a key role in strengthening the vaginal epithelial barrier by improving mucus production, strengthening cell junctions, maintaining an acidic environment, and modulating the local immune response. These combined actions help protect the vagina from infections and maintain good vaginal health.

Improve intimate hygiene

The good bacteria in the vagina contribute to its proper functioning and in particular to its self-cleaning . They also have the capacity to generate anti-microbial substances which prevent the development of undesirable and odorous microorganisms.

Reduce the risk of infections during sexual intercourse

Sexual intercourse, whether due to the micro-cuts it generates due to friction during penetration or the basic pH of sperm which unbalances the vaginal flora, can be a source of urogenital infections. By maintaining the balance of the vaginal flora and strengthening the vaginal epithelial barrier, vaginal probiotics limit these risks.

✋ Did you know? To limit the risks of urogenital infection following sexual intercourse, it is recommended to go to the toilet immediately afterwards. Wearing a male or female condom also plays an interesting role in limiting infections.

Beneficial strains known to date

There are millions of strains that are beneficial for the proper regulation of the vaginal microbiota. However, not all of them have yet been isolated and studied. Here we review the strains known and present in different probiotics.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 is a probiotic strain widely studied and used for its ability to maintain and restore vaginal and urogenital health by preventing infections, maintaining an acidic pH, and supporting the local immune response.

1. Prevention of vaginal infections: L. rhamnosus GR-1 helps prevent vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, by restoring a healthy balance of vaginal flora.
2. Maintains Acidic pH: This strain produces lactic acid, helping to maintain an acidic vaginal pH, essential for inhibiting pathogens.
3. Pathogen inhibition: L. rhamnosus GR-1 prevents harmful microorganisms from colonizing the vagina by producing antimicrobial substances.
4. Strengthening local immunity: It modulates the local immune response, strengthening the vagina's natural defenses against infections.

Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14

Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 is a probiotic strain that supports vaginal health by preventing infections, maintaining an acidic environment, and strengthening the vagina's natural defenses.

1. Prevention of vaginal infections: L. reuteri RC-14 helps prevent vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis, by restoring and maintaining a healthy balance of vaginal flora.
2. Lactic Acid Production: This strain produces lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic vaginal pH, an unfavorable environment for pathogens.
3. Pathogen Inhibition: L. reuteri RC-14 produces antimicrobial substances that inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms in the vagina.
4. Strengthening the vaginal barrier: It strengthens the cell junctions of the vaginal epithelium and improves mucus production, thus protecting the vagina against infections.

Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is essential for digestive and vaginal health, improving digestion, preventing infections, and strengthening immune defenses.

1. Improved Digestive Health: L. acidophilus supports digestion by helping break down food and improving nutrient absorption.
2. Prevention of vaginal infections: It helps maintain a healthy balance of vaginal flora, thus preventing infections such as bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis.
3. Lactic Acid Production: This strain maintains an acidic environment in the intestine and vagina, which helps inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
4. Strengthening the immune system: L. acidophilus supports the immune system by stimulating antibody production and moderating the inflammatory response.

Lactobacillus crispatus

Lactobacillus crispatus plays a key role in preventing vaginal infections, maintaining an acidic pH, and protecting against pathogens.

1. Prevention of vaginal infections: L. crispatus helps prevent vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, by maintaining healthy vaginal flora.
2. Maintains Acidic pH: This strain produces lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic vaginal pH, creating an unfavorable environment for pathogens.
3. Protection against pathogens: L. crispatus inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms by colonizing the vagina and producing antimicrobial substances.
4. Strengthening the epithelial barrier: It helps strengthen the vaginal epithelial barrier, protecting against the entry of pathogens.

Lactobacillus gasseri

Lactobacillus gasseri is important for vaginal and digestive health, preventing infections, maintaining an acidic pH, and supporting a healthy metabolism.

1. Prevention of vaginal infections: L. gasseri helps prevent vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, by supporting a balanced vaginal flora.
2. Maintains Acidic pH: This strain produces lactic acid, helping to maintain an acidic vaginal pH, which is essential for inhibiting the growth of pathogens.
3. Digestive Health Support: L. gasseri supports healthy digestion by helping to balance intestinal flora, reducing digestive issues such as bloating and inflammation.
4. Potential effect on metabolism: Some studies suggest that L. gasseri may aid in weight management by influencing fat metabolism, although these effects require further research.

Lactobacillus jensenii

Lactobacillus jensenii plays a crucial role in preventing vaginal infections, maintaining an acidic pH, and protecting against pathogens, thereby contributing to good vaginal health.

1. Prevention of vaginal infections: L. jensenii helps prevent vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, by maintaining a balanced vaginal flora.
2. Lactic Acid Production: This strain produces lactic acid, which helps maintain an acidic vaginal pH, creating an unfavorable environment for pathogenic microorganisms.
3. Protection against pathogens: L. jensenii colonizes the vagina, inhibiting the growth of pathogens by competing for resources and producing antimicrobial substances.
4. Strengthening vaginal health: It supports the epithelial barrier of the vagina, thus strengthening the natural defenses against infections and inflammation.

Lactobacillus fermentum

Lactobacillus fermentum is essential for digestive and immune health, balancing intestinal flora, strengthening immune defenses, and helping prevent infections.

1. Digestive Health Support: L. fermentum helps balance intestinal flora, promoting healthy digestion and reducing digestive issues like bloating and intestinal discomfort.
2. Immune System Boost: This probiotic strain boosts the immune response by increasing antibody production and modulating immune cell activity, which helps protect against infections.
3. Lactic acid production: L. fermentum produces lactic acid, helping to maintain an acidic environment in the intestine, which is important for inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
4. Protection against vaginal infections: Although best known for its effects on digestive health, L. fermentum may also play a role in preventing vaginal infections by contributing to the balance of vaginal flora.

Are there any risks associated with taking vaginal probiotics?

If the effectiveness of vaginal probiotics is now recognized by various scientific studies, how can we explain that they can now be the subject of criticism and doubts? This is in fact a gray area in terms of legislation . Probiotics are now subject to the same legislation as food supplements, legislation that requires them to be safe but does not require them to have proven effectiveness in order to be placed on the market (unlike medications). This is why it is essential to be well informed when purchasing vaginal probiotics for guaranteed effectiveness and safety.

Ensuring Vaginal Probiotics Are Effective

To have a beneficial effect on health, several conditions must be met. In fact, probiotics must:

• be alive (or freeze-dried);
• be strains selected for the desired effect (we saw this previously in the presentation of beneficial strains: there are thousands of strains, each of which has a different effect);
• resist gastric acidity and bile. To be effective in the intestinal and vaginal flora, probiotics must arrive there alive. They must therefore not be degraded following their passage through the stomach and must be able to resist gastric acidity and pancreatic juices. To promote this “resistance”, there are probiotics that can be administered directly into the vagina via creams or ovules.
• be ingested/administered as a treatment for at least ten days per month;
• have benefited from a demonstration of efficacy in both healthy and sick humans.

The brands that we have selected on our e-shop and which we will tell you about below are selected for these benefits.

Our recommendation: consult your doctor

Do you still have doubts or are you suffering from a medical condition (sexually transmitted disease (STD), intimate dryness, urinary tract infection) that makes you think about taking vaginal probiotics? We can only recommend that you consult your general practitioner. If necessary, he will suggest additional tests and help you choose your vaginal probiotics if he thinks that it is an interesting answer to your problem.

Where can I find probiotics?

Probiotics are naturally present in fermented foods and in various devices developed to deploy them.

Fermented foods

There are no probiotic-rich foods that will have a direct impact on your vaginal flora: digestion has an impact on the absorption of probiotics and it will be more effective to use probiotics that are applied directly to the vaginal mucosa. However, these foods can help maintain good vaginal health by promoting good gut health.

• Yogurt/Skyr: Yogurt contains strains of lactobacillus, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus , which can help maintain a healthy balance of intestinal and vaginal flora when consumed regularly.
• Kefir: Kefir is a beverage made from fermented milk or sweetened fruit juices, prepared using kefir grains, a starter culture consisting primarily of lactic acid bacteria and yeast. It is rich in probiotics. It contains several strains of beneficial bacteria, some of which can also support vaginal health by balancing the gut flora.
• Sauerkraut / Kimchi: Sauerkraut and Kimchi are preparations made from fermented cabbage. They contain natural probiotic bacteria that can contribute to digestive health and, by extension, a healthy balance of vaginal flora.
• Miso: Miso paste is a salted, fermented soybean paste, most commonly eaten in Japanese home-style soups. Miso contains probiotics that can help balance gut flora.
• Pickles and other pickles: Fermented (unpasteurized) vegetables can provide probiotics that help maintain healthy gut flora.

Food supplements

Dietary supplements can be interesting sources of probiotics. They are relevant because their structure can protect the probiotics from gastric acidity and bile but also because they can contain enough probiotics to be effective on the intestinal flora and the vaginal flora.

🌈 On Gapianne, we have selected for you the Probiotics cure: vaginal and intestinal flora from the Miyé brand, whose values ​​and composition we really like. The brand is French, made in France and vegan. Concerning the probiotics they contain, we find in particular Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus Plantarum and Lactobacillus Acidophilus.

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Gels and creams

Gels and creams that contain probiotics are particularly interesting because they can be placed as close as possible to the vaginal mucosa, directly on it, in order to rebalance it directly. The advantage? Probiotics are not damaged by digestion.

🌈 At Gapianne, we particularly like the Miyé brand's soothing intimate gel with probiotics, which can be used internally. Made from 99% natural ingredients, it is made in France, vegan and organic. It contains a complex set of prebiotics and probiotics, including different strains of Lactobacillus. And bonus, it can be used as a lubricant.

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Ovules

Probiotic ovules are small capsules that are placed directly in the vagina where they melt. Just like gel and cream textures, they have the advantage of being able to be placed as close as possible to the vaginal mucosa and thus be directly effective, without being damaged by digestion.

✋ At the moment, we do not offer vaginal probiotic ovules on our e-shop because we have not found a brand that meets our criteria: do not hesitate to share your favorites with us!

What about prebiotics? Prebiotics are food compounds, generally composed of complex carbohydrates, which probiotics feed on. They therefore have the characteristics of accelerating the action of probiotics and it can be particularly interesting to consume prebiotics before or at the same time as probiotics – this is why you may have already seen products composed of prebiotics and probiotics, this is the case of the intimate soothing gel with probiotics from the Miyé brand, mentioned above. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are therefore not living microorganisms.

Questions / Answers

Let's conclude this article by answering the questions you regularly ask us about our products containing vaginal probiotics. If you have others, do not hesitate to share them with us here in the comments or on our social networks.

Are there any side effects associated with vaginal probiotics?

Yes, there may be side effects associated with taking vaginal probiotics but these are rare. It can lead to vaginal discharge, local itching and exceptionally breast tenderness.

Furthermore, the lack of clear legislation on the development of probiotics can lead to problems, such as the development of infections and problems related to the ingredients present in probiotic compositions. This is why it is important to pay attention to the references and brands selected.

Are vaginal probiotics safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Vaginal probiotics are generally compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding and even quite beneficial. We emphasize “generally” because the complementary ingredients that make up the products that contain the probiotics may not be compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. Compatibility with pregnancy and breastfeeding is often highlighted by manufacturers and, if in doubt, discuss it with the healthcare professional who is following your pregnancy.

How long does it take to see results with vaginal probiotics?

Probiotics are long-term treatments that should be taken several times, generally once a day for several days. Depending on the type of probiotics, the problem targeted and the method of administration (oral or local), their effectiveness can take several days to several weeks to become apparent.

Do vaginal probiotics interact with other medications?

Taking any probiotics may interact with medications, including antibiotics (the effectiveness of antibiotics may be affected by probiotics). If you are taking antibiotics for a long-term condition and are considering taking probiotics, talk to your doctor.

Are there any contraindications to taking probiotics?

The consumption of probiotics is not recommended for people who are immunocompromised , due to illness or treatment (HIV, multiple sclerosis, cancer, etc.), but also for people with a weaker immune system, such as premature babies and the very elderly. As we have just explained, taking probiotics is also not recommended for people taking antibiotics since probiotics and antibiotics can interact. If you are in these situations, consult a doctor for advice and to address your health issues.

What are the signs I need vaginal probiotics?

It is worth taking vaginal probiotics if you regularly suffer from problems related to your urogenital health: frequent cystitis/urinary tract infections, intimate dryness, recurring vaginal infections, etc. These health problems may mean that your vaginal microbiota is not balanced and needs a boost.

However, it is important not to take probiotics during an infection (urinary, vaginal, etc.): start by consulting a doctor, take the recommended antibiotics if necessary, then, secondly, take a course of probiotics. As we have seen, vaginal probiotics do not have a healing role; they serve above all to strengthen your microbiota.

Sources

The role of lactobacilli and probiotics in maintaining vaginal health

Use of probiotic lactobacilli in the treatment of vaginal infections: In vitro and in vivo investigations

Efficacy of vaginal probiotic capsules for recurrent bacterial vaginosis: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study